I quit a six figure job now I live in a van - What My Mom Thinks!

[@KombiLife]

This was some deleted scenes usually only released on our Patreon feed - but I thought the wider YT audience might appreciate hearing this conversation so I made it public. More extra content visit here: www.patreon.com/kombilife Thanks for watching and I'm really sorry about the crappy US accent at the end :)

[@lisagillis7939]

what a wise and devoted mom

[@dcruzer1272]

Kombi Life at 4:37 I heard Alan watts in what you said.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That was a really interesting down to earth chat with your mom. Thanks for sharing that with everyone :)

[@midway241]

Unconditional Love of a Mother is Priceless! You are one lucky man. God Bless!

[@KombiLife]

yes I am :)

[@freetasman2342]

Thank you for sharing, I understand your mum worries, ( I am 71 years old grandfather) but at the same time people have to realize that life cannot take life for granted and we do not know how short or long our life will be. We cannot buy time, if we are not happy now we cannot go back. Live the moment, follow your innerself and then there will be not regrets on our final hours in this world. Forget about security, there it is not such thing specially when we talk about materialistic things and investments that are managed by others for their own gain. Keep safe and your dream alive.

[@KombiLife]

wise words, thanks for sharing your perspective

[@SR81K9]

I've always wanted to travel. I'm 35 and not left this isle yet 🇬🇧. Been saving for a while now and got around 20grand savings. The mission is to cycle UK to Singapore... And beyond

[@drumclaypete]

Did you do it?

[@ronaldfrancovegaii5248]

mom is right, you're new path is teaching us to dream and educate us and making us happy every time we see your videos

[@datsun510wanted]

Your mom seems to understand you really well. I cant wait to see you guys travel in the future

[@barbaragalbreth4429]

Start your career at 40..use your youth for growth.

[@KombiLife]

that's good advice

[@Hallahanify]

Barbara Galbreth so dumb, save all your money in your 20's retire at 30

[@patriciaskinner2195]

no need to be rude...name calling is not very nice.

[@Hallahanify]

Patricia Skinner yes sorry. but with exponential growth sooner is better than later so, ya know, I couldn't control myself.

[@plutoplatters]

but too bad "man" tends to start NOT hiring people after 35...

[@tonycantrell9547]

your mother is so right about people living vicariously through your videos. I was a police officer for about 17 years. I had a on duty crash that's limited my ability to be out and about for extended periods of time. I enjoyed your content and you personally. you're a genuine person, a likable soul. if ever in the state of Georgia I would like to grab a beer with you. stay safe.

[@KombiLife]

Thank you for posting Tony, I'm glad you found us, hope we can make that beer happen one day

[@92_m42]

Ben, my hero! You made the right decision. This is your true calling. Don't stop.

[@john3Lee]

Just watched this for the second time - Your mum is lovely - diplomatic - & very wise...... :)

[@KombiLife]

I wish I could have inherited those traits :)

[@WanderingBird]

Oh lordy- this is my right now. Just quit my (very good) career so we can go travelling in our van.... and my poor mother doesn't know what to think!! I can only hope that with time and adventures she'll understand and believe it was the right choice. So nice to see how your mum changed her mind!

[@jackhodge14]

I need to ask my family this. Our parents lived that 'society model'. I like your mum said that. Life is here to be lived! Been quality watching your trip mate. I saw some of the spots you visited in Costa Rica and Nicaragua

[@ririmr4978]

We moms love our kids and want to see them happy and healthy more than anything else on earth :)

[@KombiLife]

I hope one day I can have children so that I can understand this unconditional love from another perspective

[@wulf659]

when you do become a parent you will understand completely why parents are worried for their kids, up until then people have no idea

[@MrAreix]

Great conversation

[@KombiLife]

Sorry about the audio quality in some places - a forest fire broke out and helicopters were delivering water overhead

[@jiesito146]

Kombi Life that must have been the forest fire by big sur

[@cactusrider7686]

your mom is great! very compelling and thoughtful commentary from your mum

[@brianfesperman3857]

Ben your parents are awesome. They need to come back for an annual visit and have a dedicated episode just for them again.

[@arcuda2001]

Your mom is a very sweet woman .. very understanding and supportive .. Love her ...

[@tom_sundog]

Love the emotion in this, some of the realest unstaged content you've ever produced, more like this!!

[@Zoch]

Your mother seems wonderful, so wise and understanding!

[@allenhuling598]

Cheers to your mom for going on camera for this....Well done!

[@1966scoutcheif]

Hey man I think you made the decision of a lifetime wish we could be with you. FINS UP 👍 👍

[@spiritknight1]

Man, you're truly blessed to have an understanding mother - ENJOY YOUR LIFE!

[@KombiLife]

she's the best

[@Nomadicats]

Incredible video, so much value in this! Thank your mom for that, and you of course 😊

[@ericthmpsn]

I have been in a wheelchair for the last 40 years and love to watch your adventures i would have to have loved to do what you are doing ,GO FOR IT.

[@KombiLife]

Glad we can take you along for the ride my friend, stoked to have you with us.

[@jaoquelinebell784]

I adore your mum. She seems so gentle. And she loves love you I can see it. :) Beautiful thing really. 💛💛

[@stevieplays5944]

You're a very brave man, I couldn't do it as I would fail as soon as I got on the motorway. You're channel speaks millions. I have so much respect for you and taken all of what you do. Channels like yours don't come around often. By the way I came across your channel through vidme. Never would of found it through KZbin.

[@KombiLife]

Cheers Stevie

[@MsTribus]

It's not the usual video but i really appriciated it, you seem to have a kind and right-minded family. Your videos inspire me to do the same as you. 3 years ago i had bought an almost 100% copy of your combi also in chile (pucon) but family drama caused my dream to be put on hold/stop. those vids make me envy the combi life! i hope you won't have any engine breakdowns again :) greetings from Belgium.

[@KombiLife]

hope you can get back to adventure some day

[@twelge15]

Addicted to SV Delos sailing adventure vlogs, now. Convinced I'll save for a large sailing vessel over 10 years, and become a cruiser around the world. Thanks for the introduction, man!

[@KombiLife]

you're welcome. see you on the ocean in 10 yrs :)

[@karap5882]

Your mom is so lovely!

[@phenthropa]

Your mom has a really sweet disposition. I always wonder what my parents think of my lifestyle. I"m sure they're disappointed/worried. I quit my career and have been enjoying myself so much more ever since. I'm secretly afraid to ask. Way to go for having the balls to talk to her and the guts to put it up for us to see. Thanks. PS My crush for you is so real ;)

[@notarobot3500]

totally understand your mom and your probably moments of doubts about the future, but rest assured you are on the right way. when something is done with the passion and love you show everything it's gonna be alright. either you end up as a photographer, film maker or the best Volkswagen mechanic ever. ;). greetings from Mexico.

[@KombiLife]

gracias y saludos

[@ketarita1911]

Its amazing how most people assume they are for sure going to live until retirement, and spend most of their adult lives putting off living life to its fullest (some people dont even know how) to be able to "enjoy" life at retirement...I believe that there can be a happy medium between the two.

[@plutoplatters]

the key is to enjoy life wherever you are. don't fall prey to the " marketing of retirement" that's being pushed all over... remember this marketing is their JOB they don't want to go to everyday just like everyone else !!

[@KombiLife]

6 years apart, 2 weeks together, 1 tiny house on wheels - Watch the full episode to see how it went down: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3zSaXWamL9-aLc

[@clemiBorusse]

Hey Ben, this is one of my favourite video on your channel! I've been following you since last year and I watched the whole series numerous times! I'm going to start my adventure in march, I bought a vw Kombi Last year in Chile and you gave me the motivation to save mon ey! thank you very much, cheers!☺

[@KombiLife]

wow so excited for you! Good luck and happy travels - thanks for posting this, made my day :)

[@stevengagnon4197]

Your mom is awesome. She has a different life but totally gets you. Embrace her.

[@mzmonicaallday6615]

You got one of the best moms that the universe has ever created! Appreciated her love and concern for you. I am a mother and thats what we do! I am going to van dwell and think of what my grown babies think, but this life is mine and their life is theirs.

[@thenomadicnubian8163]

This is an awsome message your mom is honest and awesome! she is so supportive love her!!

[@belingonza318]

I did the traveling bit for about 6years but after awhile I realized I was broke. Then I got lucky and found a job where I could play catch up. I still take my vacation's every year. Van life is great!

[@Soxandnicole]

I loved this video. It was so interesting to hear your mother's point of view. I'm her age more or less but the difference here was that my father was an adventurer. He always had the can-do attitude, he did quite a few unconventional things. Even with him as an example most of my siblings (there are 13 of us - that on itself was an adventure) lived a conventional 9 to 5 life. Only 2 of us broke the mold. One brother worked in several countries in Africa for many years. I got involve in the skydiving scene. After a few years my husband and I quit our jobs and bought a one way ticket around the world - I don't think they have those any more -. After the trip we didn't go back to 9 to 5, we found seasonal jobs in the skydiving scene traveling north - south, following the season. Long story to tell you that the direction you are heading is the one you are suppose to take and it will take you where you are suppose to be. Take it from an older girl: follow your heart and it will all work out fine. BTW your mom's pretty cool.

[@KombiLife]

Thanks Nicole - I agree

[@Rkmng]

Your Mom observation about your life is 100% correct. We watch in your video sit at our home and we can't do it what you doing now ..

[@safelyheartfelt8142]

Aw, really sweet! Nice to see a communicative, supportive mama. It was pretty tough on my family when I lived in my car...but I also wasn't set up at the time to do it as comfortably and safely as was ideal...was very tough mainly cause I had a dog and it was hot summer months so that greatly limited income options. But I see there's ways to do it in a really wonderful way with enough money and planning and the right vehicle. p e a c e

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Ben the book will probably pay you more than a entire working career would have . The book could spin to a movie .. keep on trucking as you are . Just have mom join the kombi crew more often .. VW

[@cyndifoore7743]

Camp Runamuck I agree, I’d love to see your travels turned into a movie! Awesome

[@DoMoreAsgeir]

Great channel guys! If your travels ever get you to Iceland then be in touch for Inside info ;) !

[@vegeaterrichie5514]

I'm 30 married with children when I grow up I want to be like you !

[@ashiksaleem360]

Good luck with that

[@teddyhage]

VW Bus and travel builds character, money cant buy. Aircooled Love shouting out to you! Keep up the good work!

[@slowandwilder142]

As a mum myself, I resonate with her concerns. I love her perspective and how supportive she is. We're leaving our house to travel with our children, we actually won't be planning for a pension lol just adventure.

[@dragondoodler8353]

You really inspires me to travel! I want to travel so badly, but first I have to finish school...

[@tateharper6661]

hey ben i think this is my favorite video yet from you lots of inspiration. I plan on supporting you when i get my card thanks for all the vids and keep em comin

[@KombiLife]

Thanks Tate, glad you are enjoying them

[@BlissThisWay]

Your mom is a beautiful soul. I love her!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

love it, thanks for sharing! I think I have had similar conversations during the last years, hehe. We really have to apreciate our families being so understanding about the way we live / work and seeing that it makes us truly happy to live this way even thought it worries them sometimes...I did a similar little interview with my folks when they visited me on Karl last year, so it was fun to watch this and see how similar some points are. Ahoy, Nike

[@KombiLife]

Thanks Nike - We'll have to check that out

[@edgeofgravity4144]

We love your lifestyle and look forward to all the adventures you'll share with us in the future. Greetings from the rainy Northern Ireland.😃

[@KombiLife]

thanks - greetings from sunny Mexico (sorry) ;)

[@edgeofgravity4144]

Kombi Life 🙈👌🏻🔝

[@mrdave22]

your mom has a kind heart.

[@brettalfero6245]

Just love watching your channel!!!

[@CrisProducts]

dude you're amazing, first time when i see one of your video, I am from Romania if you want to come here some day let me know :)

[@KombiLife]

coming for sure

[@MariuszPierog]

First lady of the travellers. Great stuff.

[@cyclingwithkiwi3956]

your mum is a good mum

[@socksinsandals1082]

I see my future through this channel

[@frankshelton5330]

Best video yet!

[@Notrocketscience101]

"Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backward ten years later," Steve Jobs said. "So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something-your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

[@transilvaniaink]

This conversation it’s Epic!

[@johncnorris]

Mrs. Jamin is a sweet lady and a great Mum.

[@KombiLife]

glad you got the spelling right (mum not mom) ;)

[@bellabegood7136]

They watch you and they dream Arghhhh😭 From one mother to another beautifully said 🌏 I would ABSOLUTELY want to do what you do. Your channel i am 2 days into from discovering takes me away like a fckn cuddle!

[@chrisphinney6430]

so sweet. great family

[@dmdmorg]

Calm down, calm down. You have a great mum..:)

[@4Score747]

You have an amazing Mom.

[@MyWanderingIsland]

True words

[@fellnase98]

Hey just wanted to tell ya that, when I went to university I realized that this career thinking is so obnoxious... So I broke up my study and now I'm sitting here in a remote village in Thailand :) I've never been so happy and don't regret anything! Greetings from a German in Thailand!! :)

[@KombiLife]

nobody in your situation ever does :) Happy Travels

[@frunkybooii]

bless all mums

[@westcoasthiker76]

cool vid dude , thanks for sharing

[@djmurzu]

What an awesome mum you have :)

[@finaltom5]

My Mom moved on last month. Embrace every second you have, with everyone you meet. This is how we live forever and know that they never really die. Our true essence is in our moments together, not in our flesh. Good Journey's

[@KombiLife]

thank you for sharing, this is a good message, I'm sorry for your loss.

[@BRACALONEBORDINTEAM]

your mom is right, maybe one day you will find a place to breath. please continue to do what are you doing now. cheers mate

[@CALLE92JOHANSSON]

Hahaha. I love the last clip. "Yes, mom. I'm driving safe"

[@lonnekeboons]

Love this!! Have to show this to my mom, but her English isn't so good

[@timothy790110]

What a lovely and intelligent momma, who loves you very much. I have one as well, (and a dad) , how lucky we are, ehh? Had you really not seen her for 6 years?

[@KombiLife]

yes unfortunately - getting home is expensive

[@timothy790110]

jeez, that sucks.. at least they can follow you here.

[@jp-jo5el]

great adventure brother . all the best frim india.

[@phekwig]

I have about twelve years left to work before retirement... As soon as I get my pension I'll get a motorhome and do all the traveling I didn't get to do in my twenties and thirties.

[@laniergreg]

Your mom needs to start her own channel giving advice, she's good at it.

[@bebacklater526]

Very good conversation. I left home at 19 (after getting a college education) and moved to another State. Once on a trip home for a visit my gf told me she had wished she'd had the courage that I did to move away. She married a hometown boy right out of high school. She told me she wanted to get a divorce. Her mom who is a woman full of fear herself, guilted her into not moved away. She didn't even go to college, but got an office job. She's in her 50's now at the same job in the same house. She doesn't tell her mom when she travels anywhere because her mom's so afraid for her to even leave the area to go on vacation. I look at ppl like that and feel how pathetic they are. Her son killed himself and now she's guilted her daughter into not moving away. Now her daughter has gotten an office job. She'll live the same pathetic life her mother is living. Her daughter had such potential. Now she's married to a guy she met at the company she works at, to the same kind of hometown boy her mother married, working at a local manufacturing company. What will they both do once the company shuts down and they're both of a job?

[@Andy-ir1sj]

6 figure $$ means nothing if you.re not happy ..good luck !!

[@PuffOfSmoke]

I think what your mother is saying is that she's looking at your life in a much bigger perspective- like what about when you're old and no longer can travel. What's plan B for you? As people grow old, heath issues come to light. Financial independence - how are you going to provide for yourself someday when you want to start your own family? Home - you're mother is right as well, someday, you will tire from all the travelling and when you find that sweet spot somewhere you would want to plant your roots, you need a house to stay in. She's also right, we, your audience live vicariously thru your adventures, are people who don't have the guts to leave everything behind and just travel and see the world on a budget bec some people are not financially secured yet (retirement money in the bank), tied to so many financial responsibilities, i.e., mortgages, loans, working so their kids can go to college. That's why people like you, Ben, is exceptional bec you're brave to leave that comfort zone and fears behind and do what makes you happy.

[@WobbleFruit]

He'll no doubt figure it out. Not everyone needs to 'plant their roots' or have the prescribed lifestyle you talk about.

[@fergus87]

We live in a society

[@patriciaskinner2195]

I love your series! I am in the process of leaving my professional job, selling my home in Montana and getting back on the road. I have traveled the US most of my life but did not live out of my VW. I am going to be spending a year traveling the Pacific Coastal Highway. One question or should I say concern...When you and your mom were discussing safety, you said the US was the most unsafe of all the Americas. This concerns me as I start out on my travels. Was this observation mostly in urban areas or did you find safety concerns in the rural areas as well?

[@KombiLife]

There is a significant divide between middle and lower-class America. When you live in a van you are on the streets all the time, you don't get to go into a house at the end of the day. So we saw (in some areas) raving-lunatic-bums, messed up on drugs. This is what made it feel more unsafe than Latin America, as there isn't such a drug problem further south. Just my experiences and only relevant to some locations, not all.

[@LordShagRag]

you have an amazing mum

[@KombiLife]

yeah she is special all right!

[@markjennings2315]

Your mum said exactly what I would say. Set up a source of income, even if modest to pay for your travels. Property is a good bet as it usually appreciates so acrues a value should you find the right woman and want a stable life to bring up your family.

[@pauldeakin4730]

Hi Ben, my comment is actually not meant for you this time mate. Ben´s mom (sorry I can´t remember your name) I wanted to tell you that your son has inspired thousands of people all around the world not only to travel but to follow their dreams no matter what, and honestly, that´s one of the most impressive things I ´ve ever seen, only a very small number of people on the planet have done that. Regarding the future.. we are talking about a guy who rebuilt 11 engines on the road just to keep following his dream, believe me, he will do just fine, probably a lot more than that. Thank you Ben, keep doing what you doing man, the best is yet to come.

[@douglasalan7786]

You've lived six lifetimes. 99.5% could never experience in 5 lifetimes what you have in under a decade.Not even rock stars because they cant be left alone to do as they please. You're FREE ! You win !

[@flacko6463]

When you travel to other countries on your kombe do you need any documents ?

[@keithboone4800]

I dream of this life daily. I dirtbagged in my 20s and loved it. Now I am 40 I wish to wander but it's being prepared for old age that holds me back. What's the end game when you don't save anything for a rainy day?

[@KombiLife]

Barbara Galbreth put it well in the comments further down, start a career (again) at 40, use your youth for growth

[@keithboone4800]

I agree but what I found is that once you experience freedom you are only more discontent with a corporate structured world. You see the matrix for what it is. My goal is to save like crazy and quit as soon as I can. Keep living the dream for the rest of us as do it as long as you can.

[@ExploringCalifornia]

I dream of traveling, not the world but just the US. It is hard to leave things behind, a good job, family and friends and just go off into the world. I am currently preparing myself to make the change of travel. I know my family and friends would follow my adventures if I post them on KZbin. I know I will slowly just be more a memory to them then the person they knew me as. Either way, I do want to travel the US every part of it and I may have someone who shares my same dream. He is more of a mountain kind of person and the vehicle would be more of an overland vehicle. You meet a lot of people on the road and you enjoy the company of special ladies for a few months or years. What if you found the one lady who wants to travel with you permanently do you think you would continue traveling or set roots with this person and start a family?

[@KombiLife]

the right person for me would be someone who also wanted to live nomadicly, at least for a significant period of time. The world is too big to live in one place

[@noleftturnunstoned]

Why was someone paying this man-child six figures? Edit: Was it because he lived in a tax haven?

[@Maajailm1314]

I love your mum :)

[@hellmetpho]

wise mom :)

[@gusoliverbar9392]

You don't know what your mom think about you living in a Combi and after 6 years you decide to ask! Let me tell you brother, I've been far from home for 7 years and now I'm living in my sailboat and I always knew what my mom was think about it. Of course my mom has the same opinion as yours. In my understand, if you decide to live out of the box, you have to think out of the box. Your mind set and your believes go way far from those who are looking for comfort and safety!

[@AntonSeim]

I live in Los Angeles. I bought an amazing van but I also have a house and just haven't been able to travel much because expenses are so incredibly high. Do you really find the U.S. to be the most dangerous country in the Americas? Why?

[@KombiLife]

There is a significant divide between middle and lower-class America. When you live in a van you are on the streets all the time, you don't get to go into a house at the end of the day. So we saw (in some areas) raving-lunatic-bums, messed up on drugs. This is what made it feel more unsafe than Latin America, as there isn't such a drug problem further south. Just my experiences and only relevant to some locations, not all.

[@AntonSeim]

In Southern California, the homeless are entitled to up to $2,000USD per month from social services, disability and food stamps (ebt). When mental illness meets the preying of drug dealers on the homeless with lots of cash to spend, it's a bad situation. I'm sorry that you ran into that. There is a massive problem in the U.S. with meth, heroin and pharmaceudicals. My sister is a cop so I hear about it constantly. I've traveled through 50+ countries and I've experienced all sorts of stuff, like bouncers in Guatamala city holding rusty sawed-off shotguns at the door to bars and police swinging night clubs at me in India while wandering the streets after curfew. But the situation on the streets of the U.S. is definitely unique.

[@joegotyoutuification]

long live Vietnam!!!! Dude, I dream a trip with you in Vietnam together, more beautiful girls there..we can travel in a Toyota, It's more reliable and don't worry about break downs...I am the mechanic..Last, I can't believe you quit a six figures $$$ job!!! what the heck!!! r u out of your mind!!!! anyway, I wish I was there with you on your entire trip...man! six years in a van..what would my wife and two little kids say..I am 42 years old..my only advice is prepare, prepare and prepare for the future... your mum has say... peace out, brother!!!

[@iavvadventure]

How old are you Ben?

[@theblindrider6033]

NICE